1.4 tsi 160PS --Buying Secondhand and reliability.

[Jockster]

I'm new to the forum and would like to say Hi to all.

I'm considering buying the above car with 25k miles--the car has had one lady owner from new. The dsg gearbox was replaced at 20k. I've been looking around and there appears to be some concerns about the 1.4 dsg, which is worrying me. The car still has a years warranty and this has been extended for a further year on the new gearbox.

Should I be concerned about this? I do about 13k miles a year--most of which is commuting (sitting in traffic on motorway). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[maisbitt]

Don't let the "1 lady owner" tag dictate the price. You can't tell how it's been driven just by looking at the gender of the driver. Everyone is capable of ragging a car, riding the clutch at junctions etc.

Looks like the car you're looking at has already seen some warranty action with a new gearbox. You'll hear far more about the bad ones with issues than the good ones with no issues on a forum. Some would say that the twin-charged 1.4 TSI (160) is over-elaborate and that may make it more susceptible to engine troubles in the future than the 2.0TSI. VW were confident enough to carry on using it despite being obliged to cover the costs under warranty. They could've phased in the new 1.8 TFSI that appears in the lower models of the Passat CC in it's place, but they haven't so far.

2.0TSIs and 2.0TDIs seem to have the fewest engine trouble complaints across the forums, the 170TDI has more power and lots more torque, but will cost you more to buy (but less to run) than a 1.4(160). If you don't like Diesels though, it's not an option.

[RW1]

I'm new to the forum and would like to say Hi to all.

I'm considering buying the above car with 25k miles--.

Hello Jockster,

I think considering that around 300,000 1.4TSi 160PS engines have been made, the engine situation looks dire but in the reality of things, it just a little higher than one expects.

Engine:
Ask when the "24s4" engine ECU software update was done to the engine. I guess it was at the first service after 12 months
/12, 000 miles. ie. it was done around September - December 2010. If so, the engine will be better than if done later, say at 18,000 miles. There should be a sticker on the boot floor to the left of the spare wheel like this 24s4 boot sticker. Unfortunately is not usually dated so they will need to consult the car's service record in the dealership computer.

I would take it for a test drive. The engine is overcooled so is a little slower to warm up. The drive should be at least 30 minutes.

The engine should free rev and run silky smooth. At two points stop the Scirocco with the engine running and just lighty touch the steering wheel with your fingers tips. If you can feel a vibration, even very slightly, the engine may have a misfire. A good engine doesn't vibrate the steering wheel. If vibrating, walk away. First stop is about 1 to 2 minutes after start up with the engine fast idle finished and it is doing 680 rpm. The second is when its thoroughly warmed up after 20 minutes.

DSG 7 speed gearbox:
Not common to replace a 7 speed DSG gearbox. The two usual issues are the dual clutch pack shuddering (new clutch pack is fitted) or the gearbox rattling on rough roads during the gear changing period (software update cures by quicker gear changes).

The gear change when setting off should go 1st --> 2nd without shuddering. Other gear changes should be unnoticable other than the D2.... D7 indications in the centre display of the dash dials changing. It is normal to hear clacking noises if you have the window down, the 7 speed DSG is not silent changing gears.

As you have a VW 3 year warranty to run 12 months, that should cover any unfortunate situation but I would factor in using a engine and gearbox/mechatronic components(gear shift control) minimum warranty extension at least, given costs to replace/repair if keeping beyond the 3 year point.

Chris

[emill1]

Hi there!

Found this great forum and thought this is the right place to be asking people about whether or not I should buy myself a Scirocco or not

I am from Denmark and as you might know, we are not so fortunate to buy cars cheap as all you other lucky ones and when I am only 20 I have to take things more into consideration about this car, so therefore I ask you for help

Always dreamed of having a Scirocco and now I found a 2009 model 1.4 TSI 160 PS which has driven 136k km, according to the dealer there hasn't been any significant problems with the engine or rest of the car and all services have been checked.

What I would like to know is what I have to look at when I am at the dealers and checking out the car, what would be typical problems with the model that I should be aware of?

An opinion on why I should buy/not buy the car what also be appreciated

Thanks !

[Peacock8]

Hello quite new to the forum, been lurking around admiring all the cars! Totally in love with the Scirocco! I´m from Norway btw.

I´m sure there is a post explaining all this, but I couldn´t find it. So here goes.
This saturday coming up I´m going to a dealer to check out a 09 1,4l 160Bhp reflex silver Scirocco. I´m sure it looks great! But what should I look out for? Errors/blemishes. I´m thinking of problem spots for rust and such and all other things that can be wrong with it.

Ørjan.

[Tallguy]

I have just purchased an extended 1 year VW UK warranty including recovery and no excess for £219. So far my 1.4 TSI 160 has been very reliable and the good value warranty gives peace of mind as I enter year 4 of ownership. I agree with the comment that you tend to hear about the relatively few problem cars as the owners are understandably very frustrated.